Protective Draping System

ABSTRACT

A draping system and apparatus protects the clothes of a wearer. The system and apparatus include a jewelry-like securing mechanism configured to resemble a choker-style or chain-style necklace. The system and apparatus also include a fabric member configured in dimensions and shape to cover a wearer&#39;s front from neck to waist. The fabric member may be configured with a pocket along its top edge for inserting the securing mechanism to removably attach the fabric member. The securing mechanism is configured to secure and maintain the fabric member around the wearer&#39;s neck, such as by enlarging the opening of the choker-style necklace or clasping the exposed ends of the chain-style necklace. Such securing of the fabric member enables it to flow down from the wearer&#39;s neck to protectively cover the wearer&#39;s front.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/206,029, filed on Aug. 17, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/205,984, filed on Aug. 17, 2015. The entire teachings of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

In a person's daily routine, the person's clothing may become damaged with unwanted spills, stains, drips, splatters, smudges, and the like. For example, many people apply make-up (cosmetics) as part of their morning routine and are faced with the daily dilemma of whether to apply the make-up prior to dressing for the day. In particular, if the person puts on a shirt prior to applying the make-up, the person runs the risk of spilling, dripping, or splattering the make-up on the shirt. However, if the person puts on the shirt after applying the make-up, the person runs the risk of getting a make-up smudge around the collar of the shirt. Further, after dressing, the person may also eat food or drink a beverage as part of their morning routine, such as drinking coffee in a disposable cup while driving to work. Thus, the person also runs the risk of spilling, dripping, or splattering the food or beverage on the shirt prior to arriving at work. In either situation, the person runs the risk of damaging the shirt, which may require an unplanned wardrobe change or wearing the damaged shirt throughout the day. In such situations, the person may be delayed in their daily schedule or forced to wear damaged clothing, and, thereby, start the day in a disagreeable mood from this unpleasant experience.

Prior solutions for protecting clothing from spills, stains, drips, smudges, and the like are ineffective in such situations. For example, the person placing a cloth towel, paper towel, or napkin over the clothing (shirt) is ineffective, as the towel does not stay secured around the person's neck nor does the towel feel comfortable positioned around the person's neck. For another example, the person wearing an additional shirt over clothing for protection is also ineffective, as the additional shirt is cumbersome and uncomfortable to wear. For further example, the person wearing prior bibs made of plastic, terrycloth, stiff paper, waterproof materials, and such is also ineffective, as these bibs are: not comfortable positioned around the person's neck, not convenient to position around the person's neck, and/or not durable to washing. In addition, none of these solutions are attractive (fashionable), so a person would be disinclined to wear them as part of a morning routine, particularly in public surroundings such as while driving to work. Thus, there is a need for an effective clothing protection solution that is comfortable, durable, and fashionable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a protective draping system (apparatus) that may be worn to protect clothing from spills, splashes, stains, drips, smudges, and the like. Unlike prior solutions for protecting clothing that use unattractive and uncomfortable materials, including plastic, terrycloth, stiff paper, and waterproof materials, and such, the protective draping system provides a convenient, comfortable, and durable solution for protecting a wearer's clothing. The protective draping system also provides a stylish, fun, and inspirational solution to protecting a wearer's clothing. Specifically, embodiments of the protective draping system include stylish decorative fabrics attached to jewelry-like securing mechanisms. The draping system fabrics are selected not only to be of attire accessory quality, but also to be lightweight and comfortable to wear and durable to clean. The draping system fabrics are attached to the jewelry-like securing mechanism, such as a choker-style or chain-style necklace, which is easy to situate around the wearer's neck and comfortable to wear with the attached fabric securely covering the front of the wearer. In this way, the objective of these embodiments is to provide a protective system or apparatus that conveniently and comfortably protects a wearer's clothing from spills, stains, drips, smudges, and the like, while being pleasant to wear so that the wearer will want to use the system/apparatus daily. For example, the wearer will want to include the protective draping system as part of the wearer's morning routine to provide a pleasant morning in which the wearer's clothes remain clean and the wearer is inspired to start their day.

Specifically, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a draping system for protecting the clothes of a wearer. In some embodiments, the draping system includes a securing mechanism configured in a thin, not fully enclosed circular shape (or arc of sorts) to resemble a choker-style necklace. The securing mechanism is: (i) composed of a flexible material with a metal-like or other coating, (ii) configured with an opening in a section of the circular shape, and (iii) configured with a smooth surfaced stopper (e.g., spherical-shaped bead, pearl, or ball) attached to each respective point (tip or end) defining the opening. Other stopper configurations, surfaces, and geometries are suitable. The draping system also includes a fabric member (main cover element) configured in dimensions and shape (for non-limiting example, generally rectangular) to cover a front of the wearer from neck to waist. The fabric member comprises a lightweight material that is durable to spills and frequent washing. The fabric member is further configured to include a casing, pocket, sleeve or similar finishing along the top or upper edge.

The casing or pocket houses or otherwise removably holds the securing mechanism ‘necklace.’ The top edge casing is configured with openings on opposite sides (e.g., an opening at each top corner of the rectangular shape of the fabric member) to receive insertion of the securing mechanism (as well as for removal of the securing mechanism) to/from the casing or pocket. The inserting into the casing/pocket removably attaches the fabric member to the securing mechanism and each stopper maintains the fabric member on the securing mechanism. The securing mechanism is further configured to secure the fabric member around the neck of the wearer. In particular, the flexible material of the securing mechanism enables bending or flexing of the circular shape to temporarily enlarge the opening to fit the securing mechanism, carrying the removably attached fabric member, around the wearer's neck. The circular shape and stoppers of the securing mechanism further enable positioning of the attached fabric member to flow down from the wearer's neck to cover the front of the wearer from the neck to the waist. Similarly the draping system (apparatus) may be used to cover other surfaces of the wearer's torso, arms and upper body, and clothing thereon.

Other embodiments of the presented invention are directed to a draping apparatus for protecting the clothes of a wearer. In some embodiments, the protective draping apparatus includes a securing mechanism configured as a necklace chain with a clasp, such that each connector of the clasp is attached to a respective end of the necklace chain. The protective draping apparatus further includes a fabric member configured in dimensions and shape to cover a front of the wearer from neck to waist, the fabric member comprising a lightweight material that is durable to spills and frequent washing. The fabric member is further configured to include a pocket along the length of and extending a top edge of the fabric member. The top edge pocket is configured with an opening at each top corner of the fabric member (i.e., at opposite ends of the length of the top edge of the fabric member) to receive the securing mechanism for insertion into (and exit from) the pocket. The securing mechanism is inserted into the pocket such that each connector of the clasp is exposed at a respective opening of the fabric member's top edge. In this way, the top edge pocket houses the securing mechanism and removably attaches (couples) the fabric member to the securing mechanism. The securing mechanism is further configured to secure the fabric member around the neck of the wearer. In particular, the fabric member is secured by bringing together the top corners of the fabric member behind the wearer's neck and fastening together the exposed connectors of the clasp to secure the necklace chain of the securing mechanism (carrying the fabric member) around the neck. The necklace chain inserted inside the top edge pocket of the fabric member further enables positioning of the fabric member to flow down from the wearer's neck to cover the front (or any of the upper body) and clothing thereon of the wearer from the neck to the waist.

In some embodiments, the protective draping system and apparatus provides a configurable message to the wearer. In these embodiments, the fabric member is further configured with a first printed phrase positioned at an upper area of the fabric member. The fabric member is also configured with one or more fastening mechanisms positioned, for non-limiting example, at the center area of the fabric member. The fastening mechanisms enable the removable attachment of a patch, configured via a compatible fastening mechanism positioned on the patch, to the fabric member. The patch is configured with a second printed phrase. The fabric member is also configured with a third printed phrase at the bottom, or lower area, of the fabric member, such that the first printed phrase, the second printed phrase, and the third printed phrase combined together (read in sequence) present a message to the wearer or others.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of example embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates examples of securing mechanisms for removably securing a protective draping fabric member around the neck of the wearer in some embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A-2C are schematic and exploded views illustrating an example embodiment of the present invention that includes a choker-style necklace as a securing mechanism.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an example embodiment of the present invention that includes a chain-style necklace, which removably inserts into a pocket edge of the protective draping fabric member, as a securing mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an example embodiment of the present invention that includes a chain-style necklace, which is threaded through grommets across the top edge of the protective draping fabric member, as a securing mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an example embodiment of the present invention that includes a pair of necklace chains, which are each removably attached to a grommet at a respective top corner of the protective draping fabric member, as a securing mechanism.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an embodiment with a removably attachable patch that completes an inspirational message for display on the fabric member.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an example embodiment which enables removable attachment of multiple patches forming an inspirational message presented on the fabric member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A description of example embodiments of the invention follows.

Features of the Protective Draping System

Embodiments of the present invention comprise a protective draping system (apparatus) 200 to be worn by people to protect their clothing from spills, stains, drips, smudges, and such. The embodiments include a protective draping fabric member of dimensions (length and width) and shape (e.g., in some non-limiting embodiments, generally rectangular shape) sufficient to cover from the neck to the waist of the wearer. In other embodiments, the protective draping fabric member may be of dimensions and shape to cover any other sections of the wearer without limitations. These embodiments also include a securing mechanism to which the protective draping fabric member removably attaches, such that from the upper edge of the fabric member, the securing mechanism holds the protective draping fabric member in position around the neck of the wearer. In particular, the securing mechanism is formed of jewelry or jewelry-like components, for example, a certain style of necklace or equivalent piece of jewelry.

Protective Draping Fabric Member

Embodiments of the inventive protective draping system 200 provide an attractive, yet comfortable, decorative material with the look and feel of high accessory quality. Prior solutions for protecting clothing use unattractive and uncomfortable materials, including waterproof material, plastic-like material, terrycloth, stiff paper-like material, and the like. In contrast, embodiments of the protective draping system use decorative materials of accessory quality and means worn to protect clothing, which may be of high enough quality to even be worn while dining at weddings or other such formal events. In this way, embodiments of the protective draping system may be worn for protecting clothing while eating/drinking, without limitation, during the drive to work, at one's desk at work, at a coffee shop or restaurant, during community dining at a retirement facility or rehabilitation facility, and the like, or any other activity at these locations or other public surroundings which may warrant the protection of clothing while keeping with appropriate attire. In these embodiments, the decorative material that forms the protective layer or main fabric member is also lightweight so it can flow (fall) loosely, freely, and comfortably over the clothing being protected. In this way, the decorative material (fabric member) may be comfortable enough to be worn over clothing on a regular basis, such as part of a daily routine (e.g., a daily morning routine). The material (fabric member) is also sufficiently durable to protect clothing from spills, splatters, drips, and smudges (such as makeup, food, beverages, and the like) and to withstand frequent washing. In embodiments, the main fabric member may be formed of a polyester material, which resembles silk but is durable enough for machine washing, soft tee shirt material, such as cotton or cotton blend, and various other accessory quality fabric options. In other embodiments, the fabric member may be of a disposable material that is sufficiently durable for protecting clothes.

Further, the fabric member of these embodiments may be ornamented to appeal to different age groups, demographics, style preferences, and other such personal preferences of wearers. The fabric member may include designs, patterns, colors, messages, one or more utility pockets at the front of the fabric member, and the like that are fashionable (trendy), fun, inspirational, or otherwise pleasant in appearance based on the personal preferences of the wearer. For examples, the decorative material may include floral patterns, geometric patterns (shapes), symbols, school logos, company logos, scenery, animal shapes/designs, inspirational messages, and any other designs without limitation. In regards to embodiments of the fabric member including inspirational messages, in some of these embodiments, the fabric member may include a single message (presented once or multiple times) without limitation, such as “Be kind Today!” In other of these embodiments, the fabric member may include multiple messages (each presented once or multiple times) without limitation, such as including “Be Creative,” “Be Optimistic,” “Be Kind,” and “Be Forgiving” together on the fabric member. In this way, the fabric member may be uplifting to the various individuals who wear the protective draping system, by providing these individuals happy feelings or inspiration while wearing the decorative fabrics. For instance, individuals who wear the protective draping system during their morning routine (e.g., applying make-up, drinking coffee, and the like) find that embodiments contribute to a pleasant start to their days or during formal gatherings.

In embodiments of the protective draping system 200, the fabric member is configured in dimensions and shape sufficient to cover the wearer's front body from the neck down to the waist of the wearer. The upper edge of the fabric member further includes a pocket (sleeve, cuff, casing, and such), grommets, or other such feature that enables removable attachment or coupling to a securing mechanism that secures the fabric member around the neck of the wearer. Other manners of securing the fabric member around the neck of the wearer (e.g., including long ties or extra material) are suitable. Such securing allows the configured fabric member to effectively function covering the wearer's clothing and protecting that clothing against spills, stains, drips, smudges, and the like.

Securing Mechanism

The securing mechanism in embodiments of the protective draping system positions the fabric member effortlessly and comfortably around the neck of the wearer. In particular, the securing mechanism enables positioning and attaching, via the top end or upper edge area, the fabric member around the wearer's neck such that the fabric member falls loosely (drapes) from the neck down the wearer's body in front of the chest to below the waist. The securing mechanism further enables the fabric member to remain in place in front of the chest to below the waist.

Embodiments of the protective draping system 200 provide jewelry-like components (items or elements) as the securing mechanisms for positioning the fabric member (also referred to as a “make-up drape” in one example embodiment) around the wearer's neck. The jewelry-like components provide a stylish appearance, so that wearers of the protective draping system feel that they are wearing a fashionable (trendy) and fun accessory, which may add pleasure to their day. The jewelry-like components also provide the convenient function of securing the protective draping (fabric member) around the wearer's neck with little or no effort by the wearer (and without the wearer needing assistant from someone else). Securing the protective draping (fabric member) with the jewelry-like components enable the protective draping (fabric member) to loosely fall, and remain in place, from the wearer's neck down the front of the wearer's body. As shown in FIG. 1, the jewelry-like components may be a hard choker-style necklace 20 with smooth surfaced, jeweled stoppers 10, 15 (e.g., spherical-shaped beads, pearls, balls, or the like) attached to each end of the opening of the necklace 20. Other stoppers 10, 15 are suitable. As also shown in FIG. 1, the jewelry-like components may also be various types of clasps 50, 55, 60, 65 with each connector of the respective clasp attached to an end of a chain-style necklace 70. The clasps may include a clip clasp 50 with a clip 52 that attaches to a ring connector 54; a hook clasp 55 with a hook 59 that attaches to a ring connector 57; a magnetic clasp 60 with two magnetic halves 62, 64 that attach by magnetic force attraction; a toggle clasp 65 with a toggle bar 69 that attaches to a ring toggle 67; and such. In different embodiments, the clasps 50, 55, 65 may be configured with a ring end of various shapes, including, but not limited to, circles, hearts, squares, and the like.

In some embodiments, the choker-style necklace 20 or chain-style necklace 70 removably inserts into a fabric pocket (cuff, sleeve, casing, or such) 30 along the upper edge of the fabric member 25. The respective jeweled stoppers 10, 15 of the choker necklace 20 or the respective connector ends of the clasp 50, 55, 60, 65 are exposed at opposite ends 16, 18 of the fabric pocket 30. In this inserted position, the choker-style necklace 20 or chain-style necklace 70 is housed by pocket 30 and is removably coupled to the fabric member 25. The choker-style necklace 20 or chain-style necklace 70 is of a length and other physical characteristics that enable the necklace 20, 70 to carry the fabric member 25.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate an example embodiment of the protective draping system 200 with a hard choker-style necklace 20 as the securing mechanism. The choker-style necklace 20 is substantially circular in shape with an opening or gap defined by the space between the opposite ends of the necklace 20. The choker-style necklace 20 is composed of a flexible (slightly bendable) material with a decorative coating, such as stainless steel, other metal-like coating, or any other such coating. The choker-style necklace 20 also includes jeweled stoppers 10, 15, each given stopper positioned at a respective end (tip or point) of the choker-style necklace 20 to prevent or at least hinder the fabric member 25 from unintentionally sliding off the necklace 20. In other embodiments, the jeweled stoppers 10, 15 may be replaced with any other items, without limitation, that can prevent or slow the fabric member 25 from unintentionally sliding off the choker-style necklace 20 and maintain the fabric member 25 in place over the front of the wearer. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2B, the fabric member 25 is generally rectangular in shape and includes a pocket or sleeve end 30 that lies along the length of the top or upper edge of the fabric member 25. The pocket 30 includes an opening 35 at the top left edge (corner) of the fabric member 25 and an opening 40 at the top right edge of the fabric member 25, so that the choker-style necklace 20 can be inserted (slid) into the length of the pocket 30 of the fabric member 25, thereby removably attaching or coupling the fabric member 25 to the choker-style necklace 20. Specifically, a first end (stopper) 15 of the choker-style necklace 20 may be inserted into a first opening 35 of the pocket 30 and pushed (threaded) through the pocket 30 until the first end (stopper) 15 becomes exposed at the second opening 40 of the pocket 30. The inserting positions the top/upper edge of the fabric member 25 along the length of the necklace 20 with the second end (stopper) 10 of the choker-style necklace 20 exposed at the first opening 35 of the pocket 30.

The flexibility of the material of the choker-style necklace 20 enables the wearer to elastically bend (or flex) the necklace, temporarily widening the opening, and to fit the necklace 20, carrying the removably attached fabric member 25, firmly, yet comfortably, around the wearer's neck. Thereafter the opening ends of the choker-style necklace 20 lay in their natural shape behind the wearer's neck (i.e., the ends of the necklace 20 not meeting each other) so that the wearer can easily and conveniently (with one hand, for example) pull the necklace 20 (carrying the fabric member 25) off and push it on the wearer's neck without requiring two handed operation or needing assistance from anyone else. Due to the mix or blend of flexibility and stiffness of the necklace 20, the substantially circular or “C” shape necklace 20 firmly and comfortably holds (maintains) the fabric member 25 in place without requiring any attachment of the necklace ends to each other behind the wearer's neck.

In particular, the choker-style necklace 20 is flexible yet sufficiently sturdy and stiff so as to not buckle, unfold or fail under the weight of the fabric member 25, especially during handling by the wearer (user). The wearer may pick up the protective draping apparatus from a table surface (for non-limiting example) by holding one end of the choker-style necklace 20 and not supporting the opposite end of the choker-style necklace 20. The stiffness of choker-style necklace 20 allows the wearer to handle the apparatus that way (perhaps with one hand) from table top to insertion onto the neck. Meanwhile throughout this process, the choker-style necklace 20 maintains its substantially circular or “C” shape and without falter carries (supports the weight of) the fabric member 25. Stoppers 10, 15 on the ends of choker-style necklace 20 prevent or hinder the fabric member 25 from freely or randomly sliding off the choker-style necklace 20. At the same time in the above handling, the choker-style necklace 20 is sufficiently flexible during insertion onto the wearer's neck. Choker-style necklace 20 is sufficiently flexible under such slight pressure to temporarily adjust (e.g., widen, reorient, etc.) the opening of choker-style necklace 20. Thus the blend of stiffness and flexibility especially allows a wearer to handle the apparatus one-handed throughout the process of putting the apparatus on (from stored position to position worn on the neck) and taking it off.

FIG. 2C illustrates the choker-style necklace 20, with the draping fabric member 25 removably attached or coupled to the necklace 20, positioned around the neck of a wearer. As shown in FIG. 2C, the jeweled stoppers 10, 15 attached to each respective end of the necklace 20, prevent or slow the draping fabric member 25 from unintentionally sliding off the necklace 20. As also shown in FIG. 2C, the jeweled stoppers 10, 15 also assist in positioning the fabric member 25 to flow down the front body of the wearer and keeping the fabric member 25 positioned in front of the wearer's chest and waist. FIG. 2C illustrates the choker-style necklace 20, housed inside the pocket 30 of the fabric member 25. The choker-style necklace 20 may slightly bend momentarily out of round for firm yet comfortable positioning around the neck of the wearer. As shown in FIG. 2C, the wearer may put on and position the choker-style necklace 20, with the removably attached draping fabric member 25, by herself (himself) without the assistance of anyone else.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of the draping system with a chain-style necklace 70 as the securing mechanism. As shown in FIG. 3, the chain-style necklace 70 is configured with a toggle clasp 65 comprising a toggle bar 69 that couples to a ring toggle 67. In FIG. 3, a first end of the chain-style necklace 70 is attached with the toggle bar 69 and a second end of the chain-style necklace 70 is attached with the ring toggle 67, such that connecting the toggle bar 69 to the ring toggle 67 connects the first end of the necklace 70 to the second end of the necklace 70. In other embodiments, the toggle clasp 65 may be replaced with any other clasp known in the art, including the clip clasp 50, the hook clasp 55, or the magnetic clasp 60 of FIG. 1. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the generally rectangular dimensioned fabric member 25 includes a pocket casing 30 that extends the length of the upper edge of the fabric member 25. The pocket 30 includes an opening 35 at the top left area (corner) of the fabric member 25 and an opening 40 at the opposite (top right) area of the fabric member 25. The chain-style necklace 70 can be removably inserted (slid) into the pocket 30 of the fabric member 25, thereby removably attaching (coupling) the fabric member 25 to the chain-style necklace 70. Specifically, a first end (with toggle bar) 69 of the chain-style necklace 70 may be inserted into a first opening 35 of the pocket 30 and threaded through the pocket 30 until the first end (with toggle bar) 69 becomes exposed at the second opening 40 of the pocket 30. The inserting causes the fabric member pocket 30 to house the length of the necklace 70 with the second end (with ring toggle) 67 of the chain-style necklace 70 exposed at the first opening 35 of the pocket 30.

In FIG. 3, when the corner areas of the top edge of the fabric member 25, coupled with the chain-style necklace 70, are brought together behind the wearer's neck, the first end (toggle bar) 69 and the second end (ring toggle) 67 are also brought together to easily connect the necklace 70 (via the toggle clasp 65) to encircle the wearer's neck. Specifically, the toggle bar 69 may be angled and inserted through the center area of the ring toggle 67 to easily fasten together the toggle clasp 65 to connect the necklace 70. In embodiments employing other clasp types (e.g., clip clasp 50 and hook clasp 55 of FIG. 1) attached to the chain-style necklace 70, the ends of the clasps may be similarly fastened together (e.g., by clipping or hooking a connector 52, 59 to a ring toggle 54, 57). In embodiments employing the magnetic clasp 60, each half 62, 64 of the magnetic clasp attract to each other once in close proximity behind the wearer's neck. The halves 62, 64 of the magnetic clasp 60 attach and separate easily with a simple twist and pull to open or a push toward each other to attach. The encircling of the chain-style necklace 70, threaded inside the pocket top 30 of the fabric member 25, around the wearer's neck assists in positioning and maintaining the fabric member 25 securely and comfortably around the wearer's neck and enabling the fabric member 25 to flow loosely down the front of the wearer's body. Note, the toggle ring 54, 57, 67 also provides a convenient way to hang the protective drape on a hook in the bathroom or bedroom for easy storage when the protective draping system is not in use.

FIG. 4 illustrates another example embodiment of the draping system with a chain-style necklace 70 as the securing mechanism. In this embodiment, the fabric member 25 is configured with holes or metal circles (grommets) 80, 81, 82, 83 along the length of the upper edge of the fabric member 25, rather than being configured with a pocket or sleeve 30. In this embodiment, the chain-style necklace 70 may be threaded through the grommets 80, 81, 82, 83, thereby removably attaching the fabric member 25 to the chain-style necklace 70. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the chain-style necklace 70 is configured with a toggle clasp 65 of FIG. 1 for non-limiting example. However, in other embodiments, the chain-style necklace 70 may be configured with any of the clasps of FIG. 1, including the clip clasp 50, the hook clasp 55, the magnetic clasp 60, the toggle clasp 65, or any other clasp known in the art. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the fabric member 25 is removably attached to the chain-style necklace 70 by threading through the grommets 80, 81, 82, 83 as follows. A first end (with toggle bar) 69 of the chain-style necklace 70 may be inserted into and drawn through a first grommet 80 and next threaded through the second grommet 81 and third grommet 82 and so on until the first end (with toggle bar) 69 becomes exposed through the last grommet 83. The threading positions the fabric member 25 so as to hang from or be suspended along the length of the necklace 70 with the second end (with ring toggle) 67 of the chain-style necklace 70 exposed through the first grommet 80. Then, when the top corner portions of the fabric member 25, removably attached to the chain-style necklace 70, are brought together behind the wearer's neck, the first end (toggle bar) 69 and the second end (ring toggle) 67 may also be brought together to easily connect the necklace 70 (via the toggle clasp 65 of FIG. 1) to encircle the wearer's neck. The encircling of the necklace 70, removably threaded inside the grommets 80, 81, 82, 83, around the wearer's neck assists in positioning and maintaining the fabric member 25 securely and comfortably around the wearer's neck and enabling the fabric member 25 to flow loosely down the front of the wearer's body.

FIG. 5 illustrates another example embodiment of the protective draping system using a necklace chain as the securing mechanism. In this embodiment, the fabric member 25 is configured with two holes or metal circles (grommets) 84, 85, such that the first grommet 84 is positioned on the top left corner area of the fabric member 25 and the second grommet 85 is positioned on the top right corner area of the fabric member 25. A chain segment 72, 74 (similar to the chain in the chain-style necklace 70) is coupled (possibly removably attached) to a respective grommet 84, 85. The first chain segment 72 includes at its distal end a first half 62 of a magnetic clasp 60, but in other embodiments the connector may be a clip 52, hook 59, bar toggle 69, and such. The second chain segment 74 includes at its distal end a second half 64 of a magnetic clasp 60, but in other embodiments the connector may be a ring toggle 54, 57, 67, or any other shaped toggle connector. When the top edges of the fabric member 25, attached to the respective chain 72, 74, are brought together behind the wearer's neck, the first chain segment 72 (attached to the first half of the magnetic clasp 62) and the second chain segment 74 (attached to the second half of the magnetic clasp 64) may also be brought together to easily connect the chains 72, 74 (via the magnetic clasp 60) to encircle the wearer's neck. The encircling of the chains 72, 74, coupled to the respective grommets 84, 85 of the fabric member 25, around the wearer's neck assists in positioning and maintaining the fabric member 25 securely and comfortably around the wearer's neck and enabling the fabric member 25 to flow loosely down the front of the wearer's body.

In other embodiments, the clasps 50, 55, 60, 65 may be replaced with touch fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, magnetics, elastic, ties, a button/button hole, and the like positioned at each top corner of the fabric member 25, such that the top corners of the fabric member 25 may be securely and firmly fastened together behind the wearer's neck. In another example embodiment, the fabric member 25 is shaped to include a long tail on the upper left side of the fabric member and a similar tail on the upper right side of the fabric member 25. The distal ends of the tail portions are brought together behind the wearer's neck and used to removeably tie a knot to comfortably secure the fabric member 25 around the wearer's neck, enabling the fabric member 25 to flow loosely down the front of the wearer's body.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5, the fabric member 25 may be easily (intentionally) removed from the securing mechanism (e.g., choker-style necklace 20, chain-style necklace 70, and such) and a different fabric member 25 may then be easily removably attached to the securing mechanism, as described in reference to FIGS. 1-5. The securing mechanism is separateable from the fabric member 25 in this way so that: (1) the fabric member 25 can be easily cleaned (e.g., machine washed) when dirty, and (2) different combinations (necklace piece and/or fabric member) can be worn for variety.

Displaying Positive Messages

In some embodiments, the protective draping system also includes a messaging apparatus. In these embodiments, the protective draping system is configured to removably secure patches or badges on a front surface of the fabric member 25 to deliver a positive inspirational message, or other such message (e.g., advertising) to the wearer or those surrounding the wearer. When people receive positive messages, particularly in their first interactions in the morning, the messages can positively influence how their day unfolds. Further, reminding them of the positive messages may further influence how they proceed through their day. For example, presenting the positive message to the wearer to “Be” at their best selves “Today!” may assist in positively influencing their day. In this way, a protective draping fabric member 25 may include on its front surface the printed word “Be”, followed by a blank space (area) to removably attach one or more patches (badges or other pieces of material), followed by the printed word “Today!” The blank space may be configured with fastening mechanisms, such as hooks, loops, snaps, buttons, elastic, or any other fastening technology for attaching the one or more patches configured with the same or compatible fastening mechanisms. The blank space may also be configured with utility-type pockets for inserting the one or more patches in a manner that exposes the presentation on the patch. The one or more patches present a printed word, phrases, pictures, and the like to complete the personalized message “Be <word or phrase> Today!” In these embodiments, the patches may be configured to include various words, phrases, pictures, and such so that wearers may attach a different patch to provide a different message specifically meant for them on a particular day. The patches may provide, without limitation, the words “kind,” “creative,” “trusting,” confident,” “fearless,” “the recipient of my gratitude . . . Thank You,” “wise” with a picture of an owl, “happy” with a picture of a smiley face,” and the like. In some embodiments, the fabric member 25 may include at multiple locations on its front surface the printed word “Be,” followed by a blank space (area) to removabaly attach one or more patches, such that the attaching of the one or more patches at each respective location provides a separate message on the decorative fabric, thereby presenting multiple messages on the fabric member 25.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example embodiment of the draping system fabric member 25 that enables the wearer to configure inspirational messages. In FIG. 6, the phrase “BE . . . ” 100 is printed at an upper area (top portion) of the front surface of the fabric member 25 and the phrase “Today!” 120 is printed at a lower area (bottom portion) of the front surface of the fabric member 25. The center area (portion) of the front surface of fabric member 25 is configured with a pair of hook and loop fasteners 112, 114 (for non-limiting example) that are placed a particular distance apart at the center of the fabric member 25 front surface. The patch 110 is also configured with a pair of compatible hook and loop fasteners 122, 124 on the back of the patch 110, such that the hook and loop fasteners 122, 124 are place at the same particular distance apart as the hook and loop fasteners 112, 114 on the fabric member 25. In this embodiment, the patch 110 is shaped as a coffee cup, but in other embodiments the patch may be configured in any other shape or geometric design without limitation. The patch 110 is configured with the word “Kind” but similar patches may be configured with any other word, phrase, picture, or the like, without limitation. The hook and loop fasteners 122, 124 on the back of the patch 110 attach to the hook and loop fasteners 112, 114 on the fabric member 25, such that the patch 110 is securely (but removably) attached at the center of the fabric member 25. The patch 110 may be easily removed and replaced with any other patch with hook and loop fasteners placed at the same particular distance apart as the hook and loop fasteners 112, 114 on the fabric member 25. In other embodiments, the hook and loop fasteners 122, 124 on the back of the patch 110 and the hook and loop fasteners 112, 114 on the fabric member 25 may be replaced by any other compatible fasteners known in the art. The fasteners 112, 114 may also be replaced with a pocket for inserting the patch (without fasteners 122, 124) in a manner that displays the presentation on the patch 110 (e.g., the word “Kind”).

FIG. 7 illustrates another example embodiment of the draping fabric member 25 that enables the wearer to configure inspirational messages. In FIG. 7, the phrase “BE . . . ” 100 is printed at the upper area (top portion) of the draping fabric member 25 and the phrase “Today!” 120 is printed at the lower area (bottom portion) of the draping fabric member 25, similar to FIG. 6. The center area (portion) of the draping fabric member 25 is configured with plural pairs of fasteners (not shown) that are placed particular distances apart at the center area of the draping fabric member 25, so that multiple patches 130, 135 may be attached to the draping fabric member 25. The patches 130, 135, are also configured with compatible fasteners on the back of the patches 130, 135, such that the fasteners are place at the same particular distance apart as a pair of fasteners on the draping fabric member 25. Fasteners configured on the back of the patches 130, 135 attach to the fasteners configured on the draping fabric member 25, such that the patches 130, 135 are securely (but removably) attached at the center area of the draping fabric member 25. The patches 130, 135 may be removed and replaced with any other patches with compatible fasteners to the respective fasteners on the draping fabric member 25. The fasteners of FIG. 7 may comprise any fastener type known in the art including hooks, snaps, buttons, hook and loop, and the like. The fasteners of FIG. 7 may also be replaced with one or more pockets for inserting the respective patches 130, 135 in a manner that displays the presentation on the patches 130, 135.

The teachings of all patents, published applications and references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to example embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.

For example, Applicant has combined the unlikely components of jewelry and a clothing-quality fabric member to form a protective draping apparatus. The combination is suitable for wearing in public where there is a need for protective layering that is not cumbersome, uncomfortable and/or awkward. Further the jewelry piece may be a choker-style necklace 20 or chain-style necklace 70 previously owned by or readily available to the user (so as to retrofit to the fabric member 25). The pocket or sleeve 30 and/or grommets 80, 81, 82, 83 are of dimensions (e.g., inner diameter, circumference, etc.) that accommodate and retrofit common such necklaces.

Also in addition to the above described fabric member 25, other dimensions, configurations, geometries, or features of fabric member 25 are suitable. For non-limiting example, utility pockets for optional use by the wearer may be provided by the fabric member 25. Dimensions of the fabric member may be in the range of about 20-25 inches long by about 15-20 inches wide in finished dimensions, for non-limiting example.

Further the front body or torso of a wearer of embodiments 200 is described above as the targeted clothing area being protected. The clothing of other upper body parts or other body areas (surface areas) may similarly be the subject of protection by embodiments. 

1. A draping system for protecting clothes of a wearer, the system comprising: a securing mechanism formed of jewelry-like components; and a fabric member configured in dimensions and shape to cover a subject surface of the wearer, the fabric member comprising a lightweight material that is durable to spills and frequent washing; the fabric member further having a pocket along the length of a top edge of the fabric member, wherein the pocket has a first opening at one end of the top edge of the fabric member and a second opening at an opposite end of the top edge, the pocket housing the securing mechanism in a manner that removably attaches the fabric member to the securing mechanism; and the securing mechanism enables the removably attached fabric member to cover the subject surface of the wearer.
 2. The draping system of claim 1 wherein the jewelry-like components include a necklace.
 3. The draping system of claim 2 wherein the necklace is a choker-style necklace or a chain-style necklace.
 4. The draping system of claim 1 wherein: the subject surface is a front of a torso of the wearer from neck to waist including clothing being worn there; the securing mechanism is formed of a choker-style necklace having a substantially circular shape and an opening, ends of the choker-style necklace defining the opening, the choker-style necklace having for each end, a stopper attached to the respective end; the pocket of the fabric member housing the choker-style necklace in a manner that removably attaches the fabric member to the choker-style necklace, each stopper maintaining the fabric member suspended from the choker-style necklace; and the choker-style necklace is sufficiently flexible enabling adjusting of the circular shape to temporarily enlarge the opening to fit the choker-style necklace onto the neck while carrying the fabric member, and the circular shape and the stoppers enable the removably attached fabric member to flow down from the neck to cover the front of the wearer from the neck to the waist.
 5. (canceled)
 6. (canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. The draping system of claim 4 wherein each stopper is a jewelry-like component, including a spherical-shaped bead, pearl, or ball.
 10. The draping system of claim 1 wherein: the subject surface is a front of a torso of the wearer from neck to waist including clothing being worn there; the securing mechanism is formed of a chain-style necklace having a length that enables the chain-style necklace to carry the fabric member, the chain-style necklace having: (a) one end coupled to a first half of a clasp connector, and (b) an opposite end coupled to a second half of the clasp connector; the pocket of the fabric member housing the length of the chain-style necklace in a manner that removably attaches the fabric member to the chain-style necklace, the pocket exposing the first half of the clasp connector at the first pocket opening and exposing the second half of the clasp connector at the second pocket opening; and the chain-style necklace is of sufficient length to enable connecting the exposed first half of the clasp connector and exposed second half of the clasp connector behind the neck of the wearer while carrying the fabric member, the connecting encircling the chain-style necklace around the neck to enable the removably attached fabric member to flow down from the neck to cover the front of the wearer from the neck to the waist.
 11. The draping system of claim 10 wherein the clasp connector is one of: (i) a clip clasp with the first half being a clip and the second half being a ring connector; (ii) a hook clasp with the first half being a hook and the second half being a ring connector; (iii) a magnetic clasp with two magnetic halves; and (iv) a toggle clasp with the first half being a toggle bar and the second half being a ring connector.
 12. The draping system of claim 10 wherein: the pocket is replaced with grommets along the length of the top edge of the fabric member, such that the chain-style necklace is threaded through the grommets in a manner that removably attaches the fabric member to the chain-style necklace, the threading of the chain-style necklace exposing the first half of the clasp connector through a first grommet and exposing the second half of the clasp connector through a last grommet.
 13. The draping system of claim 1 wherein: the subject surface is a front of a torso of the wearer from the neck to waist including clothing being worn there; the pocket is replaced with: a first grommet positioned at one end of the top edge of the fabric member; a second grommet positioned at an opposite end of the top edge of the fabric member; and the securing mechanism is formed of: a first chain segment coupled to the first grommet, the first chain segment having at its distal end a first half of a clasp connector, a second chain segment coupled to the second grommet, the second chain segment having at its distal end a second half of the clasp connector, and the first chain segment and the second chain segment are each of sufficient length to enable connecting the first half of the clasp connector and the second half of the clasp connector behind the neck of the wearer while supporting the fabric member, the connecting positioning the first chain segment and second chain segment about the neck of the wearer to enable the coupled fabric member to flow down from the neck to cover the front of the wearer from the neck to the waist.
 14. The draping system of claim 1 wherein the lightweight material of the fabric member is a fabric of accessory quality, including at least one of: a polyester fabric that resembles silk, a cotton fabric, and a cotton blend fabric.
 15. The draping system of claim 1 wherein the fabric member is further configured with: a first printed phrase positioned at an upper area of a front surface of the fabric member; one or more fastening mechanisms positioned at a center area of the front surface of the fabric member, wherein the one or more fastening mechanisms enable the removable attachment of a patch, the patch configured with: a second printed phrase on a front surface of the patch, and one or more compatible fastening mechanisms on a back surface of the patch, the one or more compatible fastening mechanisms connectable to the one or more fastening mechanisms positioned on the fabric member to removably attach the patch to the fabric member; and a third printed phrase at a lower area of the front surface of the fabric member, such that the first printed phrase, the second printed phrase, and the third printed phrase together present a message on the front surface of the fabric member.
 16. A method of draping a fabric member to protect clothes of a wearer, the method comprising: providing: (a) a securing mechanism formed of a jewelry-like components, and (b) a fabric member, the fabric member configured in dimensions and shape to cover a subject surface of the wearer, the fabric member comprising a lightweight material that is durable to spills and frequent washing; and enabling removably attaching of the fabric member to the securing mechanism, the fabric member having a pocket along a length of a top edge of the fabric member, wherein the pocket has a first opening at one end of the top edge of the fabric member and a second opening at an opposite end of the top edge, the pocket housing the securing mechanism in a manner that removably attaches the fabric member to the securing mechanism; and wherein the securing mechanism enables the removably attached fabric member to cover the subject surface of the wearer.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the jewelry-like components include a necklace, the necklace being a choker-style necklace, a chain-style necklace, or another style of necklace.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein the lightweight material of the fabric member is at least one of: a fabric of accessory quality, including a polyester fabric that resembles silk, a cotton fabric, and a cotton blend fabric.
 19. The method of claim 16 wherein: the subject surface is a front of a torso of the wearer from the neck to waist including clothing being worn there; the jewelry-like components include a choker-style necklace having a substantially circular shape and an opening, ends of the choker-style necklace defining the opening, the choker-style necklace having for each end, a stopper attached to the respective end; the pocket of the fabric member housing the choker-style necklace in a manner that removably attaches the fabric member to the choker-style necklace, each stopper maintaining the fabric member suspended from the choker-style necklace; and the choker-style necklace is sufficiently flexible enabling adjusting of the circular shape to temporarily enlarge the opening to fit the choker-style necklace onto the neck while carrying the fabric member, and the circular shape and the stoppers enable the removably attached fabric member to flow down from the neck to cover the front of the wearer from the neck to the waist.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein each stopper is a jewelry-like component, including a spherical-shaped bead, pearl, or ball.
 21. The method of claim 16 wherein: the subject surface is a front of a torso of the wearer from the neck to waist including clothing being worn there; the jewelry-like components include a chain-style necklace having a length that enables the chain-style necklace to carry the fabric member, the chain-style necklace having: (a) one end coupled to a first half of a clasp connector, and (b) an opposite end coupled to a second half of the clasp connector; the pocket of the fabric member housing the length of the chain-style necklace in a manner that removably attaches the fabric member to the chain-style necklace, the pocket exposing the first half of the clasp connector at the first pocket opening and exposing the second half of the clasp connector at the second pocket opening; and the chain-style necklace is of sufficient length to enable connecting the exposed first half of the clasp connector and exposed second half of the clasp connector behind the neck of the wearer while carrying the fabric member, the connecting encircling the chain-style necklace around the neck to enable the removably attached fabric member to flow down from the neck to cover the front of the wearer from the neck to the waist.
 22. The method of claim 21 wherein the clasp connector is one of: (i) a clip clasp with the first half being a clip and the second half being a ring connector; (ii) a hook clasp with the first half being a hook and the second half being a ring connector; (iii) a magnetic clasp with two magnetic halves; and (iv) a toggle clasp with the first half being a toggle bar and the second half being a ring connector.
 23. The method of claim 21 wherein the pocket is replaced with grommets along the length of the top edge of the fabric member, such that the chain-style necklace is threaded through the grommets in a manner that removably attaches the fabric member to the chain-style necklace, the threading of the chain-style necklace exposing the first half of the clasp connector through a first grommet and exposing the second half of the clasp connector through a last grommet.
 24. The method of claim 16, further comprising: providing a fabric member configured with: a first printed phrase positioned at an upper area of a front surface of the fabric member, and one or more fastening mechanisms positioned at a center area of the front surface of the fabric member, and a second printed phrase at a lower area of the front surface of the fabric member; selecting a patch configured with: a third printed phrase at a front surface of the patch, and one or more compatible fastening mechanisms positioned at a back surface of the patch; and attaching the patch to the fabric member by connecting the one or more compatible fastening mechanisms positioned at the patch to the one or more fastening mechanisms positioned at the fabric member, such that the first printed phrase, the second printed phrase, and the third printed phrase together present a message on the fabric member. 